The Wright brothers' remarkable achievement as "first in flight" is well documented. McCullough does his usual thorough research and writes with a cleThe Wright brothers' remarkable achievement as "first in flight" is well documented. McCullough does his usual thorough research and writes with a clear and accessible prose. There are some interesting insights into the process that led to the Wright brothers' breakthrough.

Beyond what they accomplished as airmen, there isn't anything fascinating about them though. They were relative stoics, virtuous, dedicated and brilliant. Unto themselves, these traits are admirable and rare in combination.

A fascinating portrayal of one of the 20th century's most intriguing politicians. Joseph Kennedy's dream of having all four of his sons become presideA fascinating portrayal of one of the 20th century's most intriguing politicians. Joseph Kennedy's dream of having all four of his sons become president was not fulfilled. but a tremendous political impact was accomplished. Bobby Kennedy was a major contributor to that legacy.

What makes this book so interesting is that Bobby Kennedy's political views evolved so dramatically, moving from an assistant to Joe McCarthy to becoming a major force for racial justice, elimination of poverty, and peace. Another part of Bobby's story is how his personality combined raw "elbows out" ambition with deep and sincere humanity.

I recall him from my teenage years and knew the headline version of his life, but this book made him a real person....more

This book takes us well beyond the flat image of Custer as the flamboyant, vain, and egomaniac who led his troops blindly into a trap that forever defThis book takes us well beyond the flat image of Custer as the flamboyant, vain, and egomaniac who led his troops blindly into a trap that forever defined his legacy.

Instead, we see a person who, in many respects, embodied characteristics that dominated a highly conflict filled era of American history. An accent mark can be placed on Custer's Americanism. He represents both the powerful positives and horrific attributes of 19th century what masculinity. His end can be interpreted as the violent eruption of dark forces that echo in our times. ...more

Marable did immense research to tell the story of Malcolm X as an important and influential historical figure. We learn how Malcolm morphed through seMarable did immense research to tell the story of Malcolm X as an important and influential historical figure. We learn how Malcolm morphed through several eras of his life, moving from a criminal period into a religious and political figure of tremendous power, but with a mind that would encounter new ideas and a personality willing to change.

History has been generally kind to Malcolm X and Marable tells the story with candor while not disguising his admiration. A case can be made for Malcolm as both hero and villain. Admired for his courage, tenaciousness, and intellectual force to fight for the rights of African Americans. Castigated and reviled for his anti-semitism and encouragement of violence. Marble's last chapter is more homage than criticism, which may reflect the majority of historical perspective. But he presents the entire case so the reader is free to draw a personal judgement.

I was struck by the forces and attitudes of Malcolm's time, because we see so many of them today in other groups. It was well worth the read....more

If you are a Johnny Cash fan and want to read the definitive story of his life, this is the book to choose. While Cash wrote his own memoirs, HilburnIf you are a Johnny Cash fan and want to read the definitive story of his life, this is the book to choose. While Cash wrote his own memoirs, Hilburn pulled together everything, corrected much of the record, and tells Cash's story honestly, both from a musical and personal point of view.

The challenge is what make of Cash. Without a doubt, he was a towering figure in country music and has been honored for it. Where things get much murkier is on the personal side. To the extent that he spoke for outsider and the unloved, he was a leader. His faith was devout, but verged on overbearing and preachy.

But those accomplishments were juxtaposed with a near lifetime drug habit, chain smoking, heavy drinking, philandering, callousness and testiness, and parental indifference. While most came to forgive him or refuse to judge him, reading a book with hundreds of pages of personal failure can be quite burdensome. And June Carter can be viewed similarly.

Aptly titled, Pennington's account of the life of Billy Martin captures him perfectly. Martin's "Jekyll and Hyde" nature made him a centerpiece of basAptly titled, Pennington's account of the life of Billy Martin captures him perfectly. Martin's "Jekyll and Hyde" nature made him a centerpiece of baseball for three decades. Raised in Berkeley, Martin became completely associated with the Yankees. His love-hate relationship with George Steinbrenner (another Jekyll and Hyde), is only part of the story. On aspect that jumps out is the dreadful impact of Billy's alcoholism. Never addressed as an issue during his life, it damaged his personality, plagued his relationships, and help keep his career on a roller coaster that probably has cost him a place in the Hall of Fame.

Well told, Yankee fans will love this book. Even a Mets fan, like me, found it a fun and interesting read. Will be sharing it with my Yankee fans, of course, but recommended to any baseball fan....more

Should history be viewed through the lens of those people who are best known or very influential? Or are those who are not famous also worthy of studyShould history be viewed through the lens of those people who are best known or very influential? Or are those who are not famous also worthy of study. Is learning about Jane Franklin, Ben's sister, worth it? After all, her life didn't include anything like the achievements of her brother. In fact, her life, other than being the sister of one of the most famous Americans, was much like those of most women of that era.

And it is for that very reason that she is worth learning about. By examining the letters Jane and Ben exchanged and adding historical context, Lepore enriches our understanding of both of them. We see Ben as a caring and interested brother, while Jane tries to expand her limited education even as she handling a very large family in poverty with a husband who is helpless.

A "stand alone" book about Jane would not have been as enlightening as one built around her relationship with her brother.

South Africa was the staging ground for Gahndhi's eventual leadership to liberate India from Great Britain. Over many years, Gandhi morphed from a lawSouth Africa was the staging ground for Gahndhi's eventual leadership to liberate India from Great Britain. Over many years, Gandhi morphed from a lawyer to a civil rights leader. He developed and evolved his approach to passive resistance and non-violent protest that became a hugely powerful force. It was also in South Africa that Gandhi focused on the the dietary and simple lifestyle that defined his personal life.

In other words, South Africa was where Mohandas became the Mahatma.

This book takes us into a detailed history of the relationships and events that shaped Gandhi and prepared him for the greatest challenge of his career. It is a story that often takes second place in the history of Gandhi, but provides us with an understanding of empowered him.

Transparency: I think Mike Piazza belongs in the Hall of Fame. The case for him is strong and the one against him (question of steroid use) is doubtfuTransparency: I think Mike Piazza belongs in the Hall of Fame. The case for him is strong and the one against him (question of steroid use) is doubtful. But there may be an underlying reason, other than steroids,for his not getting the votes: his adversarial relationship with most everybody he associated with, particularly the baseball writers who vote. I also enjoyed watching him play and cheered for him.

When a great athlete writes a memoir, the question is: why? Not likely the money, as they are already rich. Not to document their statistics, which are public record and easily looked up.

I can come up with a few reasons: To fill in the historical blanks that went unreported, to enlighten about what it takes to succeed in the game, to present their personality in an unfiltered way, register a complaint, to try and define a legacy, or simply entertain.

In Long Shot, Mike Piazza prioritizes making an argument for his legacy, exposing his personality, and challenging his critics. What emerges is a very talented athlete who had difficulty enjoying the experience of being an outstanding ballplayer because he found himself in frequent conflict with people.

While a few fellow players get listed as friends, most don't, and Piazza seems to have made no lasting relationships. Piazza reacts much more strongly to criticism than praise, and see slights and insults continuously. He rarely relates the fun he had playing, other than hitting long home runs. No humorous stories about other players or himself. He clearly wants out of the shadow of his domineering father, as well as the suggestion that his privileged upbringing had something to do with his success. He sees conspiracy in many places, particularly among "Latin" players, adding a particularly unattractive cultural attack.

In his personal life, he very focused on physical appearance (his own) and women's (telling us about all the Playmates he went out with, eventually marrying one. This seem calibrated to emphasize his sexual prowess and counter insinuations about homosexuality.

John Kennedy was assassinated when I was in fourth grade. Until the death of Ted Kennedy, I had never known an era without a Kennedy as a major politiJohn Kennedy was assassinated when I was in fourth grade. Until the death of Ted Kennedy, I had never known an era without a Kennedy as a major political force. What I didn't experience was the force that was Joseph Kennedy Sr.

And this book took me there in great detail and with clarity. Joseph P. Kennedy was beloved by his family bu disliked by many, many others. He was ambitious, overconfident, brave, pessimistic, fearful, forceful, domineering, generous, a bully, focused, chauvinistic, fun, volatile, a philanderer, shrewd, successful, and a failure.

As I read the story, I never felt I liked Kennedy. In fact, his antisemitism was upsetting. But I also didn't end up despising him as I would have expected. Perhaps it was out of grudging respect for his accomplishments or knowing those of his children.

There is no doubt that he lived a full life and was intertwined with so much of 20th century history that his story is well worth reading. ...more

A son's adoration of his father lead to the creation of the great classics, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. And if Dumas has justA son's adoration of his father lead to the creation of the great classics, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. And if Dumas has just written his father's story straight up, it would have been another superb book, as this one is.

Alexandre Dumas' father was a remarkable person who led an adventurous life in a time of great upheaval. What add so much to the story is that it enlightens on an aspect of history rarely seen: the racial attitudes in revolutionary France. It seems there was a slight window of opportunity in the late 18th century for equality when none of the western countries had made that commitment. Although Napoleon shut the window, it is still interesting to know that it was there.

Beyond that, this book is about a remarkable man who was a great warrior, but with progressive views that motivated his courage.

How does one handle the fact that a great-grandfather was one of the most notorious swindlers in American history? Write the biography. Despite beingHow does one handle the fact that a great-grandfather was one of the most notorious swindlers in American history? Write the biography. Despite being a man who ruined the finances of an ex-President, destroyed the finances of many, many others, been the ultimate narcissist, a mean spirited person, and in every imaginable way a creep, Ferdinand Wards progeny turned out remarkably well. Fortunately, the great-grandson turned into a first rate historian and writer.

It must have helped emotionally to not have known Ferdinand Ward, for it allowed Geoffrey to treat the subject as it needed to be treated.

It is a very well told story and in interesting study of a person who had a major, albeit, negative impact on America's financial history.

And to think that people are addicted to Downton Abbey. Catherine the Great's life has everything any series would need to hold an audience. The diffeAnd to think that people are addicted to Downton Abbey. Catherine the Great's life has everything any series would need to hold an audience. The difference is that it all happened and there is not need to make up anything but the dialogue. The facts wouldn't need to be altered (though Hollywood wouldn't resist).

Easily one of the most influential monarchs, Catherine's achievements are still with us. Her personal life was every bit as dramatic as her political one. Massie tells the story very well and keeps things moving. He is an excellent researcher.

I suppose many people have the same vague impression of Karl Marx. He was the intellectual driving force behind Communism. He had a huge beard and a sI suppose many people have the same vague impression of Karl Marx. He was the intellectual driving force behind Communism. He had a huge beard and a stern expression. His personal life was essentially irrelevant.

This book takes us into Marx's personal life in enormous detail. And it wasn't much of a fun life. That stern visage seems about right. What is surprising is that he was able to maintain a marriage and be a father at all, given the constant turmoil of financial woes, political strife, loss of children, moving from one country to another, and fathering a child out of wedlock with the family housekeeper (Schwartzenegger was not so lucky about keeping the marriage in a similar circumstance and would probably hate being compared to Karl Marx).

The book is a long one and there are points when it is best to speed read it. ...more

Paul Dirac had an amazing mind and an unusual personality. Did one contribute to the other or were the characteristics codependent? Underlying Dirac'sPaul Dirac had an amazing mind and an unusual personality. Did one contribute to the other or were the characteristics codependent? Underlying Dirac's story is that question. For those of us to cannot fathom the subatomic world or really comprehend particle physics, his book is very accessible. What jumps out at the reader is how Dirac could figure out so much about quantum physics through pure mathematics and the absence of experimental capacity to prove his theories.

What is also amazing is that he could accomplish all this without significant collaboration and using nothing but paper and pencil. It is clear that his mind was not average in any way.

Equally unusual is that a person who had such difficulty relating to people and found almost any form of conversation a burden could have had a successful marriage and been a responsible father.

Excellent biography of one of America's most influential publishers (Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated). Luce was one of many major publishers who sawExcellent biography of one of America's most influential publishers (Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated). Luce was one of many major publishers who saw journalism as a way to influence opinion, rather than just inform it. While conservative, Luce would not easily fit that description today.

He was a cold warrior, but progressive on social issues. A man who had difficulty relating interpersonally, he used drive and intellect to succeed.

Very readable and puts the middle of the 20th century in an interesting perseptive. ...more

Burt Lancaster was a major Hollywood star, won an Oscar and nominated for others, and a political activist. He doesn't come off as a likeable person,Burt Lancaster was a major Hollywood star, won an Oscar and nominated for others, and a political activist. He doesn't come off as a likeable person, though. He could be domineering, a misogynist, and angry. He stayed married to a severe alcholic, but strayed in is marriage. He loved his children, but overwhelmed them with expectations to be like him. He could make great movies and duds.

This books shows us all his sides and profiles one of the most important actors of his generation.

I recently read The Brain the Changes Itself, and learned about brain plasticity. The story Mike May, who becomes blind at age three and has his sightI recently read The Brain the Changes Itself, and learned about brain plasticity. The story Mike May, who becomes blind at age three and has his sight restored in his mid-forties, is another example of the brain adjusting to events to reorganize itself. That, along with the remarkable new medical treatments for restoring sight, are the science of this story.

The heart of the story is May himself. His undaunted drive to explore, optimism, and constant willingness to challenge himself are his dominant traits, leading him to make his life a constant adventure.

Kurson gets deep into his life, including many intimate details that others might not have been willing to share (with the cooperation of his wife).

How can somebody create multiple false identities, fool hundreds of people, and do so for 20 years? Hard to imagine, but it happened. This book descriHow can somebody create multiple false identities, fool hundreds of people, and do so for 20 years? Hard to imagine, but it happened. This book describes how a man made believe he was somebody he was not, even through two marriages (one real and prolonged) and into parenthood. Perhaps even a murder.

Reading it makes one feel vulnerable to such impostors.

The intelligence, planning, and nimbleness are astounding. The number of lies it took incredible.

The book cannot answer why man did this. Was it insanity, sociopathology, intense narcissism, or just a fantasy life out of control?

A person of incredible athletic talent on the gridiron, track, and diamond who struggled so mightily with every other aspect of adult life. Such was tA person of incredible athletic talent on the gridiron, track, and diamond who struggled so mightily with every other aspect of adult life. Such was the life of Jim Thorpe. Today, we still see athletes who can be so totally in command of themselves on the field of play and without the ability to handle life off of it.

Buford does a very thorough job of describing both the glory and the pathos. The intertwining of the condition of Native Americans in the first half of the 20th century adds to the story, as does the mythologizing of American football and the rise of professional sports.

This is a fascinating story of science, race, class, and ethics: and it all true. HeLa is the name of a cancer cell line familiar to researchers, butThis is a fascinating story of science, race, class, and ethics: and it all true. HeLa is the name of a cancer cell line familiar to researchers, but Henrietta Lacks, who's cells started the line, died in anonymity. Her family didn't learn about the HeLa cell line for over 20 years, while the line grew, traveled the world, and used in a wide range of research breakthroughs.

This book takes us through 60 years of events, connecting the story of the Lacks' family with the biological story of HeLa. We see how class and education separated a family from a major part of its heritage. We learn about the ambiguity surround human tissue used in research, including who benefits, owns, and decides.

Many of us set our careers in a direction that we hope makes a difference to society. That desire is what led me and others to enter fields that are dMany of us set our careers in a direction that we hope makes a difference to society. That desire is what led me and others to enter fields that are devoted to education, health, environmental protection, etc. Some of think we are doing a pretty good job at what we do.

Then we read about Dr. Paul Farmer and get completely humbled. Here is a brilliant doctor who group up in a chaotic family to creates Partners in Health to save thousands of lives in some of the poorest places in the world, particularl Haiti. It seems that no matter what obstacle he confronts,Dr. Farmer just fights past it with boundless energy and determination.

It is good to know that there are great people out there who can inspire the rest of us and this book gives an excellent account of how Farmer became who he did and how he did it.

I was in an apartment in New York with nothing to read. I looke for something on the bookshelf and saw this book by Norman Mailer. I had heard of it,I was in an apartment in New York with nothing to read. I looke for something on the bookshelf and saw this book by Norman Mailer. I had heard of it, but never read it. Figured it might be interesting.

Wrong.

Mailer wrote a biography so he could describe his sexual fascination with Marilyn Monroe. Obstensibly, it is a biography. But there is nothing but speculation that drifts all over the place, including the Silent Majority of the Nixon years. Huh?

This is a very, very good read. The title really doesn't describe it sufficiently. This is more than about searching for a Jewish past. In fact, I donThis is a very, very good read. The title really doesn't describe it sufficiently. This is more than about searching for a Jewish past. In fact, I don't think seeking Judaism is what the author is seeking the most.

He is seeking to understand and relate to his father by delving into his father's fascinating history. His story is remarkable for many reasons, but the ones that I found most intriguing was starting life as a Jew in rural Kurdistan, speaking Aramaic, and emerging as a top notch linguist.

One can't help but come to really like the author's modest father. I would love to meet him personally. I admire the author to taking on this deeply emotionally challenge.

How do we go through American history in high school and learn about the impact of Vanderbilt and the other so-called Robber Barons? They had a huge iHow do we go through American history in high school and learn about the impact of Vanderbilt and the other so-called Robber Barons? They had a huge impact and we live with the ramifications of their influence today.

This is a comprehensive look at the first big time tycoon who was a leader in the movement from small individual businesses to a major corporate structure, not to mention the creation of the first national transportation system and a vast fortune.

The book has all you would ever want to know about Vanderbilt and maybe more than you care to know. You can breeze over the actual dollar amounts of various transactions, shorten the reading experience, and get what you want.

When I attended Northwestern University, there was some snickering about the fact that Evanston was the headquarters for the Woman's Christian TemperaWhen I attended Northwestern University, there was some snickering about the fact that Evanston was the headquarters for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Evanston was just beginning to allow alcoholic drinks with meals at that time.

The major obvious association between NU and the WCTU was the fact that the women's dormatory was Willard Hall. Probably most of us didn't know that Frances Willard was the most famous person associated with Prohibition and a temperence leader.

Thanks to this book, I know what I should have known when I went to NU, including the fact that Willard was also a leader of the women's suffrage movement.

The four other women profiled in this book are all of major historical significance, but given relatively short shrift in American history courses we take in high school. Susan B. Anthony gets the most attention, but the details of their work is not well known to the general public.

One enlightenment for me was the extent to which the issues that were so pronounced during the women's movement of the '60-'70s were actually well articulated in the 19th century.

It is never easy to read about the rise of a tyrant, but such books can enlighten us to the risks every society can run. While Stalin is on of the 20tIt is never easy to read about the rise of a tyrant, but such books can enlighten us to the risks every society can run. While Stalin is on of the 20th century's most vicious, we see his type in people like Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong-il.

If one wonders how such people can evolve and find their way to power, this book will be very interesting. It takes us from Stalin's birth to the Russian Revolution.

There may be more details here than the average person might want, but the speed reader can get a very good look at a very rough character in a very troubled country.

This is a lot more than most people will want to know about Peter the Great (855 pages worth). On the other hand, Peter was an extremely important hisThis is a lot more than most people will want to know about Peter the Great (855 pages worth). On the other hand, Peter was an extremely important historical figure who is rarely, if ever, touch upon in most American studies. Were it not for Peter, modern Russia, as we know it, would not exist.

Another interesting feature of the book involves Charles XII of Sweden. Today we think of Sweden as a peaceful country with a cradle to grave social system. The Swedish empire with its aggressive warlike king is not generally recalled. This book gives a very good description of Charles.

As one who knows very little about modern art, this was a valuable way to learn about one if its great pioneers. This book covers Matisses' adult lifeAs one who knows very little about modern art, this was a valuable way to learn about one if its great pioneers. This book covers Matisses' adult life, relating plenty of education about his work as well is a very detailed relating of his personal life. I would think that some people would like a shorter version of the story or, perhaps, a more direct explanation of Matisse' art and its importance.

There is much here that I was completely unaware of regarding a very important, but rarely studied historical figure. This book contests the conventioThere is much here that I was completely unaware of regarding a very important, but rarely studied historical figure. This book contests the conventional notion that Stanley was a cruel beast who enabled the devastation wrought by the Belgian King Leopold in the Congo.

Even though Stanley is painted in a much more positive light than history has treated him heretofore, there is still great amounts of death and brutality in this account of his life.

The research is very detailed. For some, it may be more than they care to know, but it is interesting, nevertheless. ...more